Volunteer to oversee spending for safer streets and sidewalks

Apply by April 15 to join the SAFE STREETS Citizen Oversight Committee. We need four residents with technical backgrounds to help oversee accountability for Measure FF.

Published: Last Updated:

Berkeley residents with technical experience implementing or managing infrastructure projects can apply to serve on a committee to help oversee funding for city streets, sidewalks, pedestrian paths, and stormwater management.

Applicants must have a background in one of the following:

• civil engineering
• transportation engineering
• infrastructure program management
• implementation of municipal bond or tax measures

Four applicants would join a special oversight committee created by Measure FF, a November 2024 ballot measure that will generate an estimated $15 million annually for 14 years.

The SAFE STREETS Citizen Oversight Committee will meet regularly to ensure the funding aligns with the measure's goals.

Submit an application by April 15 and help ensure safer streets and sidewalks for the Berkeley community.

How to apply

Qualified residents should fill out, download, and send the application form to the City Clerk by April 15:

• Email: commission@berkeleyca.gov
• In person or by mail: City Clerk Department, 2180 Milvia Street, 1st floor, Berkeley, CA 94704

The application will ask you to describe your relevant experience and provide references.

The City Council will select four people to appoint from the list of eligible candidates. There is no set term or minimum length of time to serve on the committee.

Learn more about the role and responsibilities of serving on a commission. For questions, contact the City Clerk Department at commission@berkeleyca.gov or (510) 981-6900.

Ensuring accountability

The SAFE STREETS Citizen Oversight Committee will meet at least quarterly to ensure that funds from Measure FF are spent appropriately. Responsibilities of the committee include:

• Review expenditures and progress reports from the City Manager and City Auditor to ensure compliance with the intent of Measure FF.
• Evaluate the impacts and outcomes of tax expenditures on the measure's goals.
• Prepare public reports on the committee's findings.

All meetings are open to the public and will be held in Berkeley. In addition to the four members of the public, the committee will also include members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Commission and Environment and Climate Commission.

Measure funds specific improvements

The Measure FF parcel tax was placed on the ballot by voter petition and passed with over 60% voting in favor. Measure FF tax revenues will be held in a special fund and must be spent with these approximate guidelines:

• 60% for streets and sidewalks
• 30% for safety improvements
• 10% for environmental enhancements, fees, and other permissible uses

Measure FF accelerates City work to increase safety on streets

This funding will boost the City's ongoing efforts to make it safer and easier to bike, walk, roll, and drive. In 2024, the City paved 13 miles across 26 streets, with large projects in Southside and on Martin Luther King Jr. Way to improve safety.

Check out the City's street repair plans and learn the process for requesting City support with repairing your sidewalk. You can also report potholes and sidewalk maintenance using our online Report & Pay tool.

Submit your application by April 15 and be a part of making Berkeley safer for people to get around-no matter what type of transportation they use.

Links

• Apply to serve on the SAFE STREETS Citizen Oversight Committee
• Serving on a Board or Commission
• Measure FF: Sidewalk and Street Repairs Parcel Tax
• Berkeley paving work in 2024
• Southside Complete Streets
• Martin Luther King Jr. Way Safe Pedestrian Crossings
• Street Repair
• Sidewalk Repair
• Report & Pay tool